French slang is famous for its creative play with language, like verlan, which consists of reversing syllables. But where does such French slang originate, why do people speak it, what are the stigmas surrounding it and what are its latest trends? In this week’s episode of the Culture Cast, host Kamiel Vermeulen is joined by poet-linguist Julien Barret, whose expertise is spoken language and slang. Barret has written 12 books about the modern French language and shares some of his insights on the role of slang in French culture with World Radio Paris. The photograph of Julien Barret featured as this episode's artwork was taken by Charlene Yves.